48 THE FLORIST. 



19. Van Mons Leon le Clerc. Fruit large, oblong, obovate in 

 form, and even in its outline. Skin yellowish brown, mingled with 

 russet, more particularly near the stalk. Calyx small, reflexed, shew- 

 ing a small shallow basin. Stalk about an inch long, inserted in a 

 slight cavity. Flesh melting, juicy, and rich, nearly coneless, and 

 seldom producing seed : in eating from the beginning to the end of 

 November. The tree is of peculiar habit, and when trained to a wall 

 requires different treatment from many other kinds, its fruit being 

 principally produced from small shoots of one year's growth, there- 

 fore the leading branches should be kept thin, and a portion of the 

 small young shoots laid in. Trained trees under this treatment prove 

 good bearers. 



This magnificent autumn Pear was raised by M. Leon le Clerc 

 of Leval, in France, who named it after himself, coupled with the 

 name of Dr. Van Mons. The latter having previously raised a large 

 winter pear of little merit and named it Leon le Clerc, caused some 

 confusion between the two kinds ; the bad kind being sold in this 

 countrj^for the true variety, to the great disappointment of many. 



20. Winter Nelis. Fruit below the middle size ; roundish-ob- 

 ovate in form, narrowed a little towards the stalk. Skin dullish green, 

 intermixed with numerous grey russet dots, and patches of russet on 

 the side next the sun. Stalk about an inch and a half long, rather 

 slender, and deeply inserted in a funnel-shaped cavity. Calyx short. 



open. Eye slightly sunk. Flesh yellowish white, buttery, very 

 melting and juicy, and possessing a rich musky flavour ; fit for use 

 in December and January. It bears well as a standard in favourable 

 situations and dry soil j but in wet or clay land the tree is very sub- 



